9 ways to use overripe bananas before they attract a fruit fly fan club

One moment, you have a bunch of bright yellow bananas on your countertop, patiently waiting to be eaten. Then, in the blink of an eye, they’re spotted brown and attracting a full-on fruit fly fan club. They’re worse than avocados!

While many recipes call for perfectly ripe bananas, they’re not always available in most kitchens. Who has time to babysit a fruit? Not me. But if you’re not going to make another loaf of banana bread, there are plenty of options that put all those overripe bananas to good use.

The next time you’re in a bind and don’t want to let the fruit go to waste, try one of these recipes instead. They’re so delicious you might just let your bananas turn brown on purpose.

Here are 9 delicious ways to use up your overripe bananas

1. Gluten-free, low-sugar banana bread

This healthy banana bread from Alt-Baking Bootcamp won’t mess with your blood sugar thanks to a few small tweaks. It has coconut and almond flour, and just the right amount of cinnamon. For the full recipe, watch the video above.

2. Peanut butter banana smoothie

Adding bananas into your smoothie is a great way to up the creaminess, and overripe options are even even easier to blend up for a super-smooth finish.

3. Vegan banana crumb muffins

These aren’t your average muffins. With the crumble top, every bite will melt in your mouth—guaranteed. While the recipe requests medium-ripe bananas, readers tried it with overripe options and it still works like a charm.

4. Chia, quinoa, and banana granola bars

Put your overripe bananas to good use in this granola bar recipe that will keep you fueled for your post-work HIIT class.

5. Peanut butter and banana ice cream sandwiches

Who doesn’t love ice cream sandwiches? Consider this version made with overripe bananas as your excuse to eat them as an adult.

6. Flourless peanut butter banana oatmeal cookies

You can always count on being able to turn bananas into soft, chewy cookies. Thanks to utilizing the fruit and oatmeal, this batch doesn’t even require any flour.

7. Matcha pancakes

Banana pancakes are never a bad idea—especially when they involve anti-inflammatory matcha for an extra dose of flavor and health benefits.

8. Chocolate chip banana bread bites

You might be sick of banana bread, but how about switching things up with these adorable chocolate chip-packed banana bread bites? They make for the perfect energy-boosting midday snack.

9. Vegan peanut butter banana brownies

Fun fact: Making brownies with overripe bananas makes them even more ooey-gooey, and this recipe is proof.

This is just the beginning of what you can do with bananas. Here’s what you should know about banana milk, the latest alt-milk on the scene. Also, find out how to turn a plain banana into a delicious dessert.